📍 France

RIVIERA & ESTEREL: RED ROCK COVES AND GLITTERING COAST

Q: What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere. Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season. Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value. Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

Red rocks plunging into turquoise, pine scent mingling with sea spray, secret coves unspoiled. The Riviera off the beaten path.

≈ 4

Days

Stops

📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Tour the Côte d'Azur between volcanic terrain and luminous shores. Discover Nice and its Belle Époque architecture, follow the Esterel massif with red cliffs plunging into sea, explore coves around Théoule and Agay, then settle at Saint-Raphaël between urban buzz and wild landscapes.

Nice: belle époque seaside elegance
Red Coves: porphyry cliffs turquoise
Pine Forests: canyon trails wind
Saint-Raphaël: harbor mediterranean anchor

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day

Nice

belle époque promenade azure

5 photos

Day 1

🔍

Discover

Place Masséna: esplanade, light sculptures, perspective on avenue Jean-Médecin.

Promenade du Paillon (Green Belt): water mirror, games and sculptures, shade in the city center.

Place Garibaldi: trompe-l'œil facades and historic arcades.

Vieux-Nice: narrow streets, squares, Cours Saleya market, shops and craftsmen.

+3 Places visited

🎯

Activities

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Panorama from Colline du Château (access on foot or by elevator).

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Supervised swimming on Nice beach (depending on season and weather).

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Sports walk (running/roller/bike) on the Promenade des Anglais.

Day

Nice

belle époque promenade azure

5 photos

Day 2

🔍

Discover

Villefranche-sur-Mer: old town, port and churches (Saint-Michel, Jean Cocteau chapel).

Marinières Beach (Villefranche): large sheltered cove, clear water.

Èze-Village: perched medieval village, cobbled streets and stone houses.

Exotic Garden of Èze: cacti, viewpoints over the Mediterranean.

+5 Places visited

🎯

Activities

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Swimming at Marinières beach (Villefranche).

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Nietzsche Path (Èze-sur-Mer → Èze-Village): panoramic ascent.

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Cap-Ferrat seaside walking loop.

+2 Optional activities

Day

Nice

belle époque promenade azure

5 photos

Day 3

🔍

Discover

Haut-de-Cagnes (Cagnes-sur-Mer): hilltop village, Grimaldi castle and artists' alleyways.

Biot: old center and Verrerie de Biot (contemporary glass).

Saint-Paul-de-Vence: ramparts, galleries and viewpoints over the valley.

Tourrettes-sur-Loup: fortified town, Grand'Rue, squares and fountains.

+2 Places visited

🎯

Activities

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"Clue de la Cerise" hike (approx. 8 km, moderate elevation gain).

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Photo stops and short trails along the Gorges du Loup.

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Viewpoint from the ramparts of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 66 km

Travel time: 55min

Day

Saint Raphael

harbor red rock gateway

6 photos

Day 4

🔍

Discover

Mandelieu-la-Napoule: seaside castle (interior & gardens).

Forêt du Grand Duc (Mandelieu): mimosas (winter period) and forest trails.

Mont San Peyre: viewpoint over the bay of Cannes and the Lérins islands.

Corniche d'Or (Estérel): panoramic route and stops at coves.

+3 Places visited

🎯

Activities

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Sea kayaking from Agay bay (weather and supervision permitting).

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Cap Roux hike (Estérel): marked trail, views over Mercantour/Estérel/Mediterranean.

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Snorkeling at Calanque du Fournas (Saint-Raphaël).

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 3 and 5 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.